Page 31 of Romeo

“Guilty of sin.So you’re Christian then?”

“Yes.”

“My grandfather was a Christian.”

“You’re not?”

“I’m—seeking.”

He nods but doesn’t say anything.“I need a shower.It’s been a long day.”

“Don’t let me hold you up.”

He turns to leave then pauses a moment before turning back toward me.“For the record, your brother was way out of line earlier.”

“Not that out of line,” I reply.“I’ve made a lot of mistakes, Mr.Hunt.You don’t even know the half of them.”

“So has he,” he replies then turns and leaves the room without saying another word.

Romeo trots over to where I’m standing and sits down in front of me, so I reach down and absently pet his head.“You won’t ever judge me, right, boy?No, you won’t.”I smile down at the animal.“You might be the only one.”

Chapter12

Riley

“Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to You to hide me.”

As I read through Psalm 143, I can barely focus.It’s nearly six in the morning, and sleep has eluded me ever since I laid my head down on the pillow at midnight.By the time I got out of the shower, Jules had already gone to bed, so I’d grabbed some tea and headed into my office to pore over the emails her brother sent me.

Honestly, I’d half expected him to change his mind and refuse to send them over.So when I saw them in my inbox, I’d been more than a little relieved.There wasn’t anything in them that he hadn’t already told me, so I sent them to Tucker to analyze.He’ll be able to track where the emails came from and uncover all kinds of other information that might as well be a science fiction story to me.

Tucker can work at a distance, but I need to be up close to get my answers.Unfortunately, I’m not entirely sure I’ll be able to convince Jules to take me back to the scene of a crime she fled from.

Gibson texted this morning to let me know they have no new leads on Fletcher, which is not great.Killers like him are patient.He’ll remain in the wind until it dies down enough that Jules feels no need for protection.

Then he’ll strike, and she won’t stand a chance.

My hand tightens into a fist, so I set my Bible aside and get to my feet to make a fresh pot of coffee.I’ve just hit the brew button when Jules steps into the kitchen wearing a T-shirt and baggy flannel pants, her hair a mess around her shoulders, face clear of makeup.

She’s stunning.

Get it together, Hunt.She’s pretty, but you have no need for a relationship.“Coffee’s brewing.”

“Great.Thanks.”

I nod.“Did you sleep well?”

“Better than I have in years,” she says as she heads into the living room to sit on the couch.“That mattress is amazing.”

“Same one I have in my room,” I tell her.“So I agree.”

She smiles softly, but her gaze drops to my Bible.“Light reading this morning?”

“I try to start every day with a chapter or two.”

“My grandfather was the same way.He never strayed from his faith.Not once.Even being in the industry he was in, the man was always sharing his love for God.”

“He sounds like he was a great man.”